The structure of the UNIMARC Holdings Format assumes the use of the following standards:

:ISO 962 : 1974 – Information processing - Implementation of the 7-bit coded character set and its 7- bit and 8-bit extensions on 9-track 12.7mm (1/2 inch) magnetic tape.

:ISO 1001 : 1986 – Information processing - File structure and labelling of magnetic tapes for information interchange.